The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has announced that they’re abandoning plans to usher in a single, fully-digital maintenance reporting system for Earned Recognition (ER) operators – something that will make the scheme more attractive to those working in the industry.

ER members were due to be required to supply fully-digital maintenance key performance indicators (KPIs) on the 1st of April 2022. This would have meant operators would need to supply the relevant compliance data via a smartphone, tablet or laptop, but this deadline has now been removed entirely.

Announced at the Woodfines Transport Conference

The announcement came at the recent Woodfines Transport Conference when the DVSA stated that the deadline had been removed. It stated that it will instead allow operators to opt for the validated methods of reporting that are best suited to their individual needs and that of their operation.

After consulting with ER members, the enforcement agency said that it had listened to what the industry had to say and the consensus was that this change would make the scheme more accessible to all hauliers. ER members will still need digital reporting systems for tachograph data and driver hours.

Safety & Compliance Remains the Main Focus

The Earned Recognition Scheme itself is voluntary and designed to allow hauliers to show a strong track record of adhering to standards and complying with all current regulations. The benefits of being an ER member include not being pulled over for random inspections as frequently, saving both time and money.

In order to qualify, operators must demonstrate that they have robust processes and systems in place to promote proactive and effective transport management. The DVSA’s Head of Enforcement Relationship Management, Laura Great-Rex had this to say on the matter:

“We recognise that obstacles were preventing operators from joining the scheme, and have addressed them, making earned recognition more accessible.

Our priority is ensuring safety & compliance on Britain’s roads. The more members of the Earned Recognition scheme we have, the more industry leaders we have demonstrating their exemplary safety standards on our roads.

This transparency allows for our enforcement activity to be focused on the serial non-compliant operators, helping us to protect people from unsafe drivers and vehicles”

A Challenging Year, But a Better 2022 In Prospect

It has certainly been a turbulent 2021, with huge challenges faced by the haulage industry. However, it can’t be denied that much has been implemented to improve matters, with this latest announcement representing a measure that focuses on maintaining road safety levels in the United Kingdom.

At Insite, we’re proud of the work we’ve done during 2021 and we’ll continue to play a major role in supporting the haulage sector, in addition to offering industry-leading Insite licence acquisition programs to businesses via our national network of training centres. We aim to make 2022 a successful year built on what’s been achieved in 2021.

If you would like to know more about us and how we do things, please take a look around our website, where you’ll find everything you require. Alternatively, if you’d like to speak to us about your needs call us on 0330 818 8888 or click on our ‘contact us’ link and send us a message.

At Insite, we’re at the forefront of the battle against the ongoing HGV driver shortage and today we’re pleased to announce that we’ve won a lead role in a Government-funded scheme to train and place over 2,000 new drivers in positions right the way across England.

As the leader of the Driver Academy Group, a consortium that includes Logistics UK and Manpower, we will be bringing our considerable combined expertise to support and upskill candidates in a sector that desperately needs them via Government-backed Skills Bootcamps across the country.

Flexible Courses Lasting Up to 16 Weeks

The HGV driving Skills Bootcamps will last up to 16 weeks, allowing candidates the necessary time to develop sector-specific skills and then subsequently be fast-tracked to interviews with employers in their local area. What this does is address one of the primary barriers to those wanting to enter the sector – cost.

At our 100+ training centres across the UK, we will be overseeing training for 750+  new drivers in England and hundreds more will be upskilled to obtain ADR qualifications that allow them to drive hazardous and critical vehicles like petrol tankers. Further to this, in excess of 2,000 refresher courses are being provided to lapsed drivers.

Open to Anyone Over 19 With a Driving Licence

These Bootcamps are already live, with applications able to be made by visiting www.hgv.academy and the only criteria required is to be at least 19 years of age and have a valid car licence. We are keen to encourage underrepresented groups, as well as the unemployed and ex-offenders to apply.

Every successful applicant will be booked onto the next available course, with the aim being to get them in place and driving as soon as is safely possible. Once qualified, drivers can look forward to earning an annual salary in excess of £40k or even more when talking about dangerous goods drivers.

A Tried & Trusted Approach

We’re very proud of our involvement in tackling this critical issue and our CEO James Clifford had this to say “Cost is a major barrier to entry for those looking to become HGV drivers so this new funding from the Department for Education will make an impact.

We have a tried and tested approach to managing HGV driver training that has resulted in thousands of new drivers getting good HGV jobs in the UK. Our pass rates are around 80%, which is significantly higher than the national average”.

Companies Can Get 70% of Cost Met

In addition to funding individuals, the government scheme also allows companies looking to upskill existing drivers to get 70% of the scheme’s cost met. As part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee, the Skills Bootcamps are funded directly from the Department for Education.

Any companies wanting to apply for funding can do so by sending a quick email to info@hgvc.co.uk.

Playing a Major Role In Getting Britain Moving

At Insite, we’ve been offering scalable industry-leading HGV licence acquisition programs for many years and this latest development is a demonstration of our ongoing commitment to helping tackle the current HGV driver shortage in the UK.

If you would like to know more about us and how we do things, please take a look around our website where you’ll find everything you need to know. Alternatively, to discuss anything mentioned here or your driver training needs, call us today on 0330 818 8888 or send us a message via our ‘contact us’ link.

Anyone following events in the UK’s haulage sector will know that much work has gone into tackling the ongoing HGV driver shortage and associated supply chain issues. Many have been wondering how effective they will be, particularly as there have been a number of measures introduced over the last few months.

From temporary Visas for EU drivers to expediting HGV licencing pathways, the government has introduced a number of directives to combat the issue and the positive news coming from trade group Logistics UK is that the signs show that the pressure is beginning to ease.

Fewer Numbers Leaving the Profession

Representing haulage and freight businesses, Logistics UK has hinted that the number of drivers leaving the profession has slowed down, with an increased number of trainee drivers currently passing through the testing system. On two counts, this is certainly cause for optimism.

That said, while this is something to be happy about, the trade body has reiterated the need for more action to be taken by the industry and the UK government to make the profession more attractive to potential recruits.

Startling Numbers, But The Trend Is Upward

Figures quoted by Logistics UK show the startling drop in driver numbers since 2019. They state that by early Autumn 2021, there were 44,000 fewer HGV drivers in the UK than at the same point two years ago. However, promisingly, the trend is now very much an upward one.

As things stand, there has been a 25% increase in the number of HGV driver tests from July-September 2021 compared to 2019, and during which time, there has been a three-fold increase in applications for vocational provisional HGV licences. Driver pay has also increased by some 10% since the turn of the year, helping to attract more interest.

Times Are Still Challenging, but…

Elizabeth de Jong, Logistic UK’s policy director was positive on the subject, but hinted at caution when she said “It is still a challenging time and there is still an acute shortage of drivers certainly, but there are a number of signs of improvement that could be coming.

We’re seeing hope that more people are beginning to enter the industry, but we’ve got to keep attracting them by really improving the facilities.” While these are relatively small gains in terms of the entire job faced, this will come as welcome news for many who’ve struggled greatly over the last year.

Brighter Times Ahead, But Much Work Still to Do

The task of changing conditions and driver numbers in the UK’s haulage sector is a mammoth one and while these positive signs are welcome, we understand that there’s still much work to do. With this in mind, at Insite, we will continue to offer industry-leading HGV licence acquisition programs across the country.

Our national network and innovative training programs can cater for any size of requirement, something you can find out more about by taking a look around our website while you’re here. Alternatively, to speak to a member of our team about how we can help you with your organisation’s needs, simply drop us a line via our ‘contact us’ link or call today on 0330 818 8888.

In yet another move designed to alleviate the ongoing HGV driver shortage across the United Kingdom, the government has announced that longer heavy goods vehicles could become a permanent fixture on Britain’s roads from 2022. This follows an extensive 9-year trial of the vehicles that found them to be not only safer, but also more fuel efficient and better for the environment.

These new vehicles – which can be as much as 15.65 metres long – were the subject of a consultation during which the majority of respondents were found to be in favour of their use. As well as being more economical, Longer Semi Trailers (a.k.a. LSTs) would also eliminate the need for 1 out of every 8 freight journeys due to fewer lorries being required for the same amount of cargo.

Rolling Out at Some Point Next Year

This welcome news represents a plan that falls in line with the government’s Transportation Decarbonisation Plan through which it aims to fight climate change and it would see the rollout of these eco-boosting vehicles at some point during 2022. It also comes just a couple of months prior to the UK hosting the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in November.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps had this to say about the announcement “This government is committed to fighting climate change and decarbonising our transport network, and we are working at pace to achieve net zero by 2050. Today’s announcement is a vital step forwards as we work to introduce more environmentally friendly freight to our roads and build back greener”.

Further ‘Heavier’ Lorry Trials Planned

What’s also planned by the government is the launching of a separate trial that’s investigating the possibility of using HGVs that are heavier than the norm. At present, the maximum weight for a HGV on Britain’s roads is 44 tonnes, which could potentially rise to 48 tonnes if this trial also reaches the same successful conclusion.

The initial response to this consultation has been a positive one and it would represent another useful tool against the driver shortage. Not only would it mean less lorries would be needed, but it would also make it easier to transport heavier cargos to rail depots – reducing congestion on the road network at the same time.

Addressing the Balance One Measure at a Time

While the journey to a self-sustaining UK logistics sector with sufficient driving personnel will surely be a long and drawn-out one, measures like these can only help the situation. At Insite, we’re doing what we can to help by providing industry-leading licence acquisition programs over our national network of training centres.

If you would like to know more about us and how we’re empowering UK businesses to meet their own HGV driving requirements, you can find what you need by sending us a message here. If, however, you’d like to speak to us directly about your HGV training needs, simply call us on 0330 818 8888 and we’ll do everything we can to find the ideal solution.

Today we bring you an amazing, heartwarming story that involves our very own Phil Linehan coming to the rescue of 96 year old World War 2 Veteran Pte James “Jim” Marland who joined the British Army way back in 1943 at the tender age of 18. As you’ll find out by reading on, a great wrong was done to him, but ultimately, there was a happy ending.

Jim Marland served in Malpere, Singapore, India, the United Kingdom and Germany, where he spent 6 weeks in a field hospital after receiving a shrapnel wound to the chest. For his heroic service, the serviceman gained a series of decorations, including the 1939/45 War Star, the France/Germany Star, the Defence Medal and the 1939/45 War Medal.

A Senseless Crime At the Remembrance Day Parade

On the 11th of November 2021, a senseless attack occurred while Mr Marland was at the Esplanade in Rochdale, attending the remembrance day parade at the local cenotaph. An unknown attacker ran at the unsuspecting veteran, ripping his hard-earned medals from his chest and making off with them into the crowds assembled.

Sadly, the assailant got away and it led to a Facebook page being created in order to help Jim get his medals back. Crucially, one of Insite’s own, Army reservist Major Phil Linehan of 103rd Battalion Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers (REME) saw the post and came to his aid.

Phil Linehan Steps In to Assist In Replacing These Precious Items

Phil was in Sicily on military business at the time and he offered his assistance as a military historian who also runs a specialist medal refurbishment and mounting company. He immediately promised to replace the medals Mr Marland had lost free of charge – so that he could once again be reunited with the medals that he did so much to earn.

Over the past few weeks, Phil Linehan has been organising how to reunite Jim with the directions and they’re set to be presented to him at the FA Cup game between Rochdale and Stevenage on Tuesday 23rd of November – thanks also to help provided by Adam Trennery of Rochdale AFC veterans.

A Full Military Presentation at the Game

Touchingly, on the big day, Jim Marland’s medals will be presented to him by the very same Major Phil Linehan in full military uniform and in a wonderful presentation case. 103 Battalion REME will also be in attendance, presenting him with a Durham Light Infantry Beret with original cap badge gifted by another veteran Glen Martin, formerly a Warrant Officer in the Royal Corps of Transport.

We think you’ll agree that this is an incredibly moving act being arranged by Phil, whose day job is our Head of Driver Development at our head office in London, where he works hard, doing much to combat the UK’s national HGV driver shortage. We know Phil well and it doesn’t surprise us at all that he stepped up and made a difference when it mattered.

On November 8th 2021, the government announced a large-scale review into HGV training in the UK, with a view to improving the compulsory on-going training for current and returning drivers. As part of this move, the Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps has also stated that sites are being identified across the UK for short-term improvements to lorry parking facilities.

Further to that, £½m is being invested in moving an extra 29,000 lorry loads of cargo from the roads onto the rail network. This comes hot on the heels of the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) clearing more than 40,000 applications for HGV and vocational licences in only 4 weeks. Signs indeed that strides are being made in the battle to address the current shortage.

A Sweeping Review of Compulsory HGV Training

The elements described represent a fraction of a total of 30 separate measures that make up what is a sweeping review of compulsory HGV training practices in the United Kingdom. These moves are an attempt by the government to improve the current status quo for bus and HGV drivers, encourage former drivers to return to the sector and provide much needed support to the haulage sector.

As things stand, HGV drivers are currently required to undergo 5 days of Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) training every 5 years to remain road legal. The CPC system was introduced as an EU initiative and while this is an extremely effective way of maintaining safety standards, some drivers are left having to foot the cost, while not being paid to attend the classroom-based training – an industry paradigm that feedback suggests is putting some off from returning to the profession.

Reducing the Burden on Drivers

The primary focus of this wide-ranging review is to examine how the current processes can be adjusted to minimise the burden placed on drivers in the UK HGV sector. Much work has gone into making the role of HGV driver more attractive to those outside it and it is hoped that any and all barriers stopping people from joining the sector are removed.

On the subject, Grant Shapps had this to say: “We’re listening to industry leaders who have told us about the issues HGV drivers face with CPC arrangements. Now we’ve taken back control of our own laws and regulations, I’m delighted to say we’re launching a review into these training rules.

We understand it’s vital for drivers to remain fully qualified – but we’re looking to ensure they can do so in the most efficient way possible whilst maintaining road safety standards. No driver should be out of pocket or out of work through no fault of their own.

This is the latest in a raft of 30 measures we’ve taken to support this vital sector and encourage drivers to return to the job or kick start a new career in the industry. These measures are working – there is no backlog of HGV licence applications and we’re seeing over a thousand more people than normal apply for a licence each week”.

£32.5m Committed to UK HGV Facilities

Another perceived barrier to people joining the industry is a lack of adequate roadside facilities and lorry parks in the United Kingdom, but this is being addressed with a recent £32.5m commitment by the government to invest in improving the number and standard available. This is seen as a major issue, particularly for female HGV drivers, as everyone deserves to be comfortable, happy and safe in their role.

Another £500,000 will also be earmarked in 2021-22 for the Mode Shift Revenue Support Fund, providing an additional boost to the supply chain. This encourages more private sector freight companies to use the UK’s rail or waterway network rather than the roads and makes the total amount provided for the grant scheme to over £20m. It is hoped that 29,000 loads will be diverted in this way.

Approval from Logistics UK Director of Policy

These far-reaching measures were met with approval from Director of Policy at Logistics UK Elizabeth De Jong, who said: “The measures announced today (8 November 2021) will support our members in their efforts to attract and retain new HGV drivers to the sector. Inadequate driver facilities across the roads network have led to a negative impression of our industry.

This creates a barrier to entry to our sector and is an issue that we have been campaigning on for many years. We are pleased that the government has listened to our concerns and will move forward with a rapid programme of improvements”.

Turning the Tide On the UK HGV Driver Shortage

While there’s still much hard work to do, it would seem that those calling for major change are finally beginning to see meaningful action across all the current pain points. The directives being implemented by the government would, on the face of it, seem to be making a big difference, with a 90% weekly increase in the number of people applying for an HGV licence.

At Insite, we’re delighted to see the increased investment and focus on this important part of the UK’s infrastructure and we’ll continue, as we have throughout the pandemic and beyond, to play our part by delivering high quality, industry-leading HGV licence acquisition programs for businesses up and down the country.

If you would like to know about us and our user-friendly, transparent driver training process that’s able to be scaled to meet any size of need, please have a good look around our website today. Alternatively, if you would like to talk to us about how we can help your organisation overcome the current shortage of HGV drivers, simply drop us a line via our Contact Us form or call us on 0330 818 8888.